After Eddie Jones confirmed Ben Youngs’ injury will keep him out of the Wales game, Parklife Sport takes a look at his potential replacements at scrum-half.
Richard Wigglesworth
Saracens’ Wigglesworth is the most similar to Youngs in terms of style and his 27 caps makes him the most experienced replacement option.
He has consistently been the best kicker in his position for a number of years and after Jones said the replacement would be a ‘kicking half-back’, the former Sale player must be confident of his chances of making next week’s squad. His controlling presence means he would not only be a likely squad member but also could be pushing for a starting place allowing Danny Care to remain as an impact player from the bench.
Replacement likelihood: 4/5
Dan Robson
The Wasps star has been pushing hard for an England place for the last 18 months with many pundits and former players backing him to break the Youngs/Care stranglehold on the position. The former Gloucester back was called up to an England squad in 2016 but remains uncapped despite an impressive couple of seasons with Wasps where he has ousted Joe Simpson as first choice.
That’s Youngs’ tournament over. Dan Robson surely has to be called up now, the best form 9 in England #NatWest6Nations #6Nations2018 #ITAvENG
— Adam Moursy (@adammoursy) 4 February 2018
Robson is highly regarded as the best uncapped half-back in the Premiership and has made a serious case for his involvement in next week’s mouth-watering clash against the Welsh.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iq1ARUPXtVs
Replacement likelihood: 2.5/5
Ben Vellacott
The Gloucester youngster has burst onto the Premiership scene this season with a string of eye-catching cameos for the west-country side. His dazzling footwork and explosive acceleration have seen him establish himself as a top impact player and he could be perfect the ‘finisher’ role that Jones has placed such huge importance on.
Could that injury for Ben Youngs mean a call up for @BenjiVellacott9 for the rest of the #6nations? Great experience if he does. Keeps him out of Scotland’s hands too! @gloucesterrugby @RugbyGlaws
— Rob Croft (@Crofty1974) 4 February 2018
The 22 year-old has represented Scotland at age-group levels but recently turned down the opportunity to play for them in favour of pursuing an international career with England. This may come too soon for Vellacott but he looks set for senior international honours in the near-future, he possesses an x-factor that international rugby requires and Jones will be watching the youngster closely.
Embed from Getty Images
Replacement likelihood: 1/5
